Can someone tell me the correct procedure to start a GM from the rear controls?

Barn Owl · August 15, 2007, 09:50:47 PM

Can someone tell me the correct procedure to start a GM 4106 from the rear controls? Do you still have to switch the master on in the front? There have been changes to mine and even though I have gotten in good with the book it doesn't seem to give me what I want at the moment.

Also the "engine control" legend plate appears to be set up for three positions. Normal, Off, Rear control. My switch is only on/off and that seems to go along with the wiring diagram in the book. It only controls the engine stop solenoid. Why is the legend plate set up for what looks like a three position switch?

The rear start switch is a three position switch so it seems to be correct but I don't know if I am using the proper sequence or procedure to start from the rear. Thanks for your help in advance.

Laryn

buddydawg · August 16, 2007, 03:29:53 AM

Mine has two three position sitches for rear start. One for Normal-Off-Rear Control and the other is a momentary switch Start-Off-Stop. To start form the front switch to Normal, to completely disable starting switch to Off, for a rear start switch to Rear Control and use the other switch to start and stop engine. I hava a pic of mine but it is not clear enough to see the labeling of the switches.

Len Silva · August 16, 2007, 06:28:44 AM

My 4104 is set up the same as buddydawg's. I believe (not quite sure) that the driver's switch must be in "run". However it works, just remember there is no neutral safety switch on a stick. Be very careful starting from the rear.

Len

Barn Owl · August 16, 2007, 06:38:08 AM

My 4106 has that funky knob setup in the front. Can you all break it down into a step-by-step process? Similar to:

1. Put funky drivers control knob into "day position"
2. At the rear controls place engine start switch to .......etc.
3. etc.....

I have to have my drivers knob in the day position for the rear controls to work. That might be normal but I thought that the rear controls bypassed everything up front. I have an auto but good point about the manual transmission if you have one.

Laryn

buddydawg · August 16, 2007, 06:45:23 AM

Ok. Here is how it works for me....

1. Cockpit - Driver's Control Knob = Off
2. Engine Bay - Enging Control Switch (top switch) = Rear Control
3. Engine bay - Engine Switch (bottom switch) = Start
4. Engine Bay - Engine Switch (bottom switch) = Off

My rear controls override the driver controls. When you are finished return switches to normal controls

Chris 85 RTS · August 16, 2007, 07:25:25 AM

Sounds the same as my RTS setup. Rear switches completely override the front. Set the one switch to rear and then use the other switch to start it. Once running you can then go up front, switch on the master switch, then go back to the rear and switch the run switch from rear to normal and the engine should keep running. If you leave the master switch off, switching back to normal will shut down the engine.

Busted Knuckle · August 16, 2007, 10:48:37 AM

Quote from: Len Silva on August 16, 2007, 06:28:44 AM
My 4104 is set up the same as buddydawg's. I believe (not quite sure) that the driver's switch must be in "run". However it works, just remember there is no neutral safety switch on a stick. Be very careful starting from the rear.

Len

There should be! They had them when they were built, and anyone who has one that's been bypassed should fix it ASAP! IMHO!

BK

Sammy · August 16, 2007, 01:39:29 PM

Laryn, some buses require that the master switch in the operators compartment be in the "on" position.
Some do not - like the RTS. It depends on how the 3 position rear run switch gets its power.
I completely agree with BK's statement of making sure that the neutral safety switch is in working condition- regardless of a standard or automatic transmissions.
Everyone should put safety first. Make sure your coach is in neutral and the parking brake is applied before you begin working on your bus.
The rear run and rear start switches were put there for maintenance purposes, for our safety while working in the engine compartment - far away from others.As a professional tech, I always make sure the vehicle is in neutral and the parking brake is applied- on any coach I work on. It's still the first thing I check after 25 years of wrenching on different buses.
Sometimes I also shut off the battery master switch for safety reasons too.
Hope this may help you. Best of luck with your coach.

jlaney · August 16, 2007, 01:50:16 PM

hello
on my old 4501 i had a starter ingage going down the road. when i stoped and went back to check a noise out , the thing was driping fire. i made a big mistake and threw the battery switch to kill the power to the stater. now is am in the street about 4 or 5 in the evening. dead . after getting a new starter the next , i started to start the engine , then go to the rear and put the toggle in the middle location to keep the starter from kicking in going down the road. my mechanic said that there was a relay that should open up after starting the engine to keep this from happening. thanks j.t